Inside the World of a Global Artist: Yi Zhou

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Article Summary: Yi Zhou takes us inside the world of a global artist in an exclusive Runway Magazine interview exploring her creative process and international career.

Published September 15, 2025

Yi Zhou – The Interview by Samantha Goldberg

Can you share with our readers what your main focus is today? How do you juggle so many talents?

My main work is a visual artist/filmmaker in influencer. I focus on my modeling and influencing work because I’m passionate about modeling, along with art. Filmmaking is my bread-and-butter work. I really enjoy creativity therefore making a short video for an exhibition or a long format. They are all part of a form of art.

Was it difficult to learn the different languages adhere to the lifestyles? How did you alter your upbringing to work in the countries you lived in?

I am passionate about languages. Living in different countries has been so inspirational and experiencing di erent languages and cultures. I think I have a natural ability in learning languages which comes out very naturally therefore it doesn’t feel like. When I go to the airport, I always feel like I understand people walking by me on the le  on the right and all around, so it is a blessing. I was raised in China and grew up in Rome, Paris, London and now spending my time between di erent countries and di erent continents I feel I’m constantly inspired. I’m very inspired by every place, but lately I’ve been  nding a lot of inspirational Los Angeles by doing more in uencing work in town. I noticed you are compared to Zhang ZI YI in the media? What’s even more astounding Yoko Ono!!

From one incredible visionary to another can you help us understand the similarities?

I’m not sure I have been compared to Jon, but deffnitely to Yoko Ono for the usage of conceptual art and being a female artist, we have participated to similar exhibitions before. Animation seems to be a “love” for you. Can you share why? Animations have always been a great form expression. We also embrace new technologies to be able to integrate new forms and create a new possibilities. You have recently developed a  lm“ In Between Stars and Scars: Masters of Cinema.  This can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes and more.

Can you share details about this for those interested in seeing your work?

Yes, we have just started our campaign for the Grammys and for the Oscars. We are really excited to be part of the race. It is our  rst time but given the famous people that are in our project above below the line and it is an honor to be able to work with them and share their story. Each of them has such an incredible story from Cameron Crowe to Dante Ferretti Vittorio Robert Richardson Bennio Morricone. I am honored to be able to write a song for each of them and in collaboration also with Cameron and Bryan Ferry.

Can you share anything new in the works?

For now, please support our documentary and our album. Please go and stream on all platforms available. Please support our podcast Sunshine in the rain which brings interesting conversations about creativity technology and longevity available on Spotify. You can also follow the launch of my book “ e Art of Triumph: Trauma Sex and Art “which will be launching at Barnes & Noble on October 3rd and it will be available on Barnes & Noble website and audible Amazon Apple Books. You can also support our clothing brand which is about slow fashion, and the brand name is Global Intuition and promote sustainability and cultural sustainability.

Photographer: Courtesy of Chanel

Runway Magazine Editorial Team
Runway Magazine Editorial Teamhttp://www.RunwayLive.com
Freelance articles written by the editors of Runway Magazine. With over 200 years of combined experience covering luxury fashion, beauty, high-end lifestyle, and pop culture, our team delivers authoritative, insightful commentary on the trends shaping 2026. Every piece is crafted by seasoned fashion and lifestyle editors who prioritize depth, cultural context, and forward-looking analysis.

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